Fallen gay trooper's partner sues for Missouri benefit

The gay partner of a Missouri Highway Patrol trooper killed in the line of duty is suing for benefits denied him because the men are prohibited from marrying.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed the suit today in Cole County Circuit Court.

Cpl. Dennis Engelhard was hit and killed by a vehicle on Christmas Day 2009 while he investigated an accident on Interstate 44 in Eureka. Under Missouri law, spouses of employees who are killed on duty are entitled to an annuity of 50 percent of the employee's average salary.

But Engelhard's partner, Kelly Glossip, has no legal right to the survivor's benefit, though he was named as beneficiary on other assets. Glossip says Engelhard gave his live protecting the people of Missouri, but his family is treated as strangers.

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